CreatureData

Alaskan hare vs Arctic hare

The alaskan hare is heavier: 4.81 kg against 4.41 kg for the Arctic hare, about 9% more.

Alaskan hare (Lepus othus)
Alaskan hare LCLeast Concern
Photo: This image originates from the National Digital Library of the United States… · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Arctic hare (Lepus arcticus)
Arctic hare LCLeast Concern
Photo: Chmee2 · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

What is the difference between a alaskan hare and a Arctic hare?

Each point below is worked out from a pair of recorded values.

  • The alaskan hare is heavier: 4.81 kg against 4.41 kg for the Arctic hare, about 9% more.
  • The alaskan hare is longer-lived: 14.6 years against 10.1 years for the Arctic hare, about 45% longer.
  • Both belong to the genus Lepus, so they are close relatives.
  • Both are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Side by side

Alaskan hareArctic hare
Scientific nameLepus othusLepus arcticus
FamilyLeporidaeLeporidae
OrderLagomorphaLagomorpha
Weight3.07 kg – 4.81 kg3.03 kg – 4.41 kg
Length50 cm – 70 cm43 cm – 70 cm
Lifespan14.6 years10.1 years
Main foodfruits, leavesNot recorded
Habitatrockycoastal
Conservation statusLeast ConcernLeast Concern
Countries recordedNot recordedNot recorded

Which is bigger?

ALASKAN HARE · 70 CMARCTIC HARE · 70 CM
Greatest recorded body length, drawn to the same scale: Alaskan hare 70 cm, Arctic hare 70 cm.

Full record: Alaskan hareFull record: Arctic hareCompare other animals